Developing an accurate dispersed storage network memory performance model through training

ABSTRACT

A computing device includes an interface configured to interface and communicate with a dispersed or distributed storage network (DSN), a memory that stores operational instructions, and a processing module operably coupled to the interface and memory such that the processing module, when operable within the computing device based on the operational instructions, is configured to perform various operations. The computing device receives first samples corresponding to inputs that characterize configuration of the DSN and receives second samples corresponding to outputs that characterize system behavior of the DSN. The computing device then processes the first and samples to generate a DSN model to generate predictive performance of the outputs based on various values of the inputs. In some instances, the DSN model is based on a neural network model that employs the inputs that characterize the configuration of the DSN and generates the outputs that characterize system behavior of the DSN.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS

The present U.S. Utility Patent Application claims priority pursuant to35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/301,214,entitled “ENHANCING PERFORMANCE OF A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK,” filedFeb. 29, 2016, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety and made part of the present U.S. Utility Patent Applicationfor all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to computer networks and moreparticularly to dispersing error encoded data.

Description of Related Art

Computing devices are known to communicate data, process data, and/orstore data. Such computing devices range from wireless smart phones,laptops, tablets, personal computers (PC), work stations, and video gamedevices, to data centers that support millions of web searches, stocktrades, or on-line purchases every day. In general, a computing deviceincludes a central processing unit (CPU), a memory system, userinput/output interfaces, peripheral device interfaces, and aninterconnecting bus structure.

As is further known, a computer may effectively extend its CPU by using“cloud computing” to perform one or more computing functions (e.g., aservice, an application, an algorithm, an arithmetic logic function,etc.) on behalf of the computer. Further, for large services,applications, and/or functions, cloud computing may be performed bymultiple cloud computing resources in a distributed manner to improvethe response time for completion of the service, application, and/orfunction. For example, Hadoop is an open source software framework thatsupports distributed applications enabling application execution bythousands of computers.

In addition to cloud computing, a computer may use “cloud storage” aspart of its memory system. As is known, cloud storage enables a user,via its computer, to store files, applications, etc. on an Internetstorage system. The Internet storage system may include a RAID(redundant array of independent disks) system and/or a dispersed storagesystem that uses an error correction scheme to encode data for storage.

Prior art data storage systems are provisioned with a particular amountof resources to service the various needs therein. Typically, the amountof resources that are provisioned within such a data storage systeminitially may service the needs of the data storage system initially,but as needs, conditions, etc. change over time, the provisionedresources will no longer be well-suited to the changed needs of the datastorage system. The prior art does not currently provide adequatesolutions by which an appropriate amount of resources may be selectedand provisioned to ensure an effective pairing of the resources to theneeds of such a data storage system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a dispersed ordistributed storage network (DSN) in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a computing corein accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an example of dispersed storageerror encoding of data in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a generic example of an errorencoding function in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a specific example of an errorencoding function in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an example of a slice name of anencoded data slice (EDS) in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an example of dispersed storageerror decoding of data in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a generic example of an errordecoding function in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a dispersedstorage network (DSN) in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of an example of neural networkmodel in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method forexecution by one or more computing devices in accordance with thepresent invention; and

FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a method forexecution by one or more computing devices in accordance with thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a dispersed, ordistributed, storage network (DSN) 10 that includes a plurality ofcomputing devices 12-16, a managing unit 18, an integrity processingunit 20, and a DSN memory 22. The components of the DSN 10 are coupledto a network 24, which may include one or more wireless and/or wirelined communication systems; one or more non-public intranet systemsand/or public internet systems; and/or one or more local area networks(LAN) and/or wide area networks (WAN).

The DSN memory 22 includes a plurality of storage units 36 that may belocated at geographically different sites (e.g., one in Chicago, one inMilwaukee, etc.), at a common site, or a combination thereof. Forexample, if the DSN memory 22 includes eight storage units 36, eachstorage unit is located at a different site. As another example, if theDSN memory 22 includes eight storage units 36, all eight storage unitsare located at the same site. As yet another example, if the DSN memory22 includes eight storage units 36, a first pair of storage units are ata first common site, a second pair of storage units are at a secondcommon site, a third pair of storage units are at a third common site,and a fourth pair of storage units are at a fourth common site. Notethat a DSN memory 22 may include more or less than eight storage units36. Further note that each storage unit 36 includes a computing core (asshown in FIG. 2, or components thereof) and a plurality of memorydevices for storing dispersed error encoded data.

Each of the computing devices 12-16, the managing unit 18, and theintegrity processing unit 20 include a computing core 26, which includesnetwork interfaces 30-33. Computing devices 12-16 may each be a portablecomputing device and/or a fixed computing device. A portable computingdevice may be a social networking device, a gaming device, a cell phone,a smart phone, a digital assistant, a digital music player, a digitalvideo player, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a tablet, a videogame controller, and/or any other portable device that includes acomputing core. A fixed computing device may be a computer (PC), acomputer server, a cable set-top box, a satellite receiver, a televisionset, a printer, a fax machine, home entertainment equipment, a videogame console, and/or any type of home or office computing equipment.Note that each of the managing unit 18 and the integrity processing unit20 may be separate computing devices, may be a common computing device,and/or may be integrated into one or more of the computing devices 12-16and/or into one or more of the storage units 36.

Each interface 30, 32, and 33 includes software and hardware to supportone or more communication links via the network 24 indirectly and/ordirectly. For example, interface 30 supports a communication link (e.g.,wired, wireless, direct, via a LAN, via the network 24, etc.) betweencomputing devices 14 and 16. As another example, interface 32 supportscommunication links (e.g., a wired connection, a wireless connection, aLAN connection, and/or any other type of connection to/from the network24) between computing devices 12 & 16 and the DSN memory 22. As yetanother example, interface 33 supports a communication link for each ofthe managing unit 18 and the integrity processing unit 20 to the network24.

Computing devices 12 and 16 include a dispersed storage (DS) clientmodule 34, which enables the computing device to dispersed storage errorencode and decode data as subsequently described with reference to oneor more of FIGS. 3-8. In this example embodiment, computing device 16functions as a dispersed storage processing agent for computing device14. In this role, computing device 16 dispersed storage error encodesand decodes data on behalf of computing device 14. With the use ofdispersed storage error encoding and decoding, the DSN 10 is tolerant ofa significant number of storage unit failures (the number of failures isbased on parameters of the dispersed storage error encoding function)without loss of data and without the need for a redundant or backupcopies of the data. Further, the DSN 10 stores data for an indefiniteperiod of time without data loss and in a secure manner (e.g., thesystem is very resistant to unauthorized attempts at accessing thedata).

In operation, the managing unit 18 performs DS management services. Forexample, the managing unit 18 establishes distributed data storageparameters (e.g., vault creation, distributed storage parameters,security parameters, billing information, user profile information,etc.) for computing devices 12-14 individually or as part of a group ofuser devices. As a specific example, the managing unit 18 coordinatescreation of a vault (e.g., a virtual memory block associated with aportion of an overall namespace of the DSN) within the DSN memory 22 fora user device, a group of devices, or for public access and establishesper vault dispersed storage (DS) error encoding parameters for a vault.The managing unit 18 facilitates storage of DS error encoding parametersfor each vault by updating registry information of the DSN 10, where theregistry information may be stored in the DSN memory 22, a computingdevice 12-16, the managing unit 18, and/or the integrity processing unit20.

The DSN managing unit 18 creates and stores user profile information(e.g., an access control list (ACL)) in local memory and/or withinmemory of the DSN module 22. The user profile information includesauthentication information, permissions, and/or the security parameters.The security parameters may include encryption/decryption scheme, one ormore encryption keys, key generation scheme, and/or dataencoding/decoding scheme.

The DSN managing unit 18 creates billing information for a particularuser, a user group, a vault access, public vault access, etc. Forinstance, the DSN managing unit 18 tracks the number of times a useraccesses a non-public vault and/or public vaults, which can be used togenerate a per-access billing information. In another instance, the DSNmanaging unit 18 tracks the amount of data stored and/or retrieved by auser device and/or a user group, which can be used to generate aper-data-amount billing information.

As another example, the managing unit 18 performs network operations,network administration, and/or network maintenance. Network operationsincludes authenticating user data allocation requests (e.g., read and/orwrite requests), managing creation of vaults, establishingauthentication credentials for user devices, adding/deleting components(e.g., user devices, storage units, and/or computing devices with a DSclient module 34) to/from the DSN 10, and/or establishing authenticationcredentials for the storage units 36. Network administration includesmonitoring devices and/or units for failures, maintaining vaultinformation, determining device and/or unit activation status,determining device and/or unit loading, and/or determining any othersystem level operation that affects the performance level of the DSN 10.Network maintenance includes facilitating replacing, upgrading,repairing, and/or expanding a device and/or unit of the DSN 10.

The integrity processing unit 20 performs rebuilding of ‘bad’ or missingencoded data slices. At a high level, the integrity processing unit 20performs rebuilding by periodically attempting to retrieve/list encodeddata slices, and/or slice names of the encoded data slices, from the DSNmemory 22. For retrieved encoded slices, they are checked for errors dueto data corruption, outdated version, etc. If a slice includes an error,it is flagged as a ‘bad’ slice. For encoded data slices that were notreceived and/or not listed, they are flagged as missing slices. Badand/or missing slices are subsequently rebuilt using other retrievedencoded data slices that are deemed to be good slices to produce rebuiltslices. The rebuilt slices are stored in the DSN memory 22.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a computing core26 that includes a processing module 50, a memory controller 52, mainmemory 54, a video graphics processing unit 55, an input/output (IO)controller 56, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) interface 58,an IO interface module 60, at least one IO device interface module 62, aread only memory (ROM) basic input output system (BIOS) 64, and one ormore memory interface modules. The one or more memory interfacemodule(s) includes one or more of a universal serial bus (USB) interfacemodule 66, a host bus adapter (HBA) interface module 68, a networkinterface module 70, a flash interface module 72, a hard drive interfacemodule 74, and a DSN interface module 76.

The DSN interface module 76 functions to mimic a conventional operatingsystem (OS) file system interface (e.g., network file system (NFS),flash file system (FFS), disk file system (DFS), file transfer protocol(FTP), web-based distributed authoring and versioning (WebDAV), etc.)and/or a block memory interface (e.g., small computer system interface(SCSI), internet small computer system interface (iSCSI), etc.). The DSNinterface module 76 and/or the network interface module 70 may functionas one or more of the interface 30-33 of FIG. 1. Note that the IO deviceinterface module 62 and/or the memory interface modules 66-76 may becollectively or individually referred to as IO ports.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an example of dispersed storageerror encoding of data. When a computing device 12 or 16 has data tostore it disperse storage error encodes the data in accordance with adispersed storage error encoding process based on dispersed storageerror encoding parameters. The dispersed storage error encodingparameters include an encoding function (e.g., information dispersalalgorithm, Reed-Solomon, Cauchy Reed-Solomon, systematic encoding,non-systematic encoding, on-line codes, etc.), a data segmentingprotocol (e.g., data segment size, fixed, variable, etc.), and per datasegment encoding values. The per data segment encoding values include atotal, or pillar width, number (T) of encoded data slices per encodingof a data segment i.e., in a set of encoded data slices); a decodethreshold number (D) of encoded data slices of a set of encoded dataslices that are needed to recover the data segment; a read thresholdnumber (R) of encoded data slices to indicate a number of encoded dataslices per set to be read from storage for decoding of the data segment;and/or a write threshold number (W) to indicate a number of encoded dataslices per set that must be accurately stored before the encoded datasegment is deemed to have been properly stored. The dispersed storageerror encoding parameters may further include slicing information (e.g.,the number of encoded data slices that will be created for each datasegment) and/or slice security information (e.g., per encoded data sliceencryption, compression, integrity checksum, etc.).

In the present example, Cauchy Reed-Solomon has been selected as theencoding function (a generic example is shown in FIG. 4 and a specificexample is shown in FIG. 5); the data segmenting protocol is to dividethe data object into fixed sized data segments; and the per data segmentencoding values include: a pillar width of 5, a decode threshold of 3, aread threshold of 4, and a write threshold of 4. In accordance with thedata segmenting protocol, the computing device 12 or 16 divides the data(e.g., a file (e.g., text, video, audio, etc.), a data object, or otherdata arrangement) into a plurality of fixed sized data segments (e.g., 1through Y of a fixed size in range of Kilo-bytes to Tera-bytes or more).The number of data segments created is dependent of the size of the dataand the data segmenting protocol.

The computing device 12 or 16 then disperse storage error encodes a datasegment using the selected encoding function (e.g., Cauchy Reed-Solomon)to produce a set of encoded data slices. FIG. 4 illustrates a genericCauchy Reed-Solomon encoding function, which includes an encoding matrix(EM), a data matrix (DM), and a coded matrix (CM). The size of theencoding matrix (EM) is dependent on the pillar width number (T) and thedecode threshold number (D) of selected per data segment encodingvalues. To produce the data matrix (DM), the data segment is dividedinto a plurality of data blocks and the data blocks are arranged into Dnumber of rows with Z data blocks per row. Note that Z is a function ofthe number of data blocks created from the data segment and the decodethreshold number (D). The coded matrix is produced by matrix multiplyingthe data matrix by the encoding matrix.

FIG. 5 illustrates a specific example of Cauchy Reed-Solomon encodingwith a pillar number (T) of five and decode threshold number of three.In this example, a first data segment is divided into twelve data blocks(D1-D12). The coded matrix includes five rows of coded data blocks,where the first row of X11-X14 corresponds to a first encoded data slice(EDS 1_1), the second row of X21-X24 corresponds to a second encodeddata slice (EDS 2_1), the third row of X31-X34 corresponds to a thirdencoded data slice (EDS 3_1), the fourth row of X41-X44 corresponds to afourth encoded data slice (EDS 4_1), and the fifth row of X51-X54corresponds to a fifth encoded data slice (EDS 5_1). Note that thesecond number of the EDS designation corresponds to the data segmentnumber.

Returning to the discussion of FIG. 3, the computing device also createsa slice name (SN) for each encoded data slice (EDS) in the set ofencoded data slices. A typical format for a slice name 60 is shown inFIG. 6. As shown, the slice name (SN) 60 includes a pillar number of theencoded data slice (e.g., one of 1-T), a data segment number (e.g., oneof 1-Y), a vault identifier (ID), a data object identifier (ID), and mayfurther include revision level information of the encoded data slices.The slice name functions as, at least part of, a DSN address for theencoded data slice for storage and retrieval from the DSN memory 22.

As a result of encoding, the computing device 12 or 16 produces aplurality of sets of encoded data slices, which are provided with theirrespective slice names to the storage units for storage. As shown, thefirst set of encoded data slices includes EDS 1_1 through EDS 5_1 andthe first set of slice names includes SN 1_1 through SN 5_1 and the lastset of encoded data slices includes EDS 1_Y through EDS 5_Y and the lastset of slice names includes SN 1_Y through SN 5_Y.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an example of dispersed storageerror decoding of a data object that was dispersed storage error encodedand stored in the example of FIG. 4. In this example, the computingdevice 12 or 16 retrieves from the storage units at least the decodethreshold number of encoded data slices per data segment. As a specificexample, the computing device retrieves a read threshold number ofencoded data slices.

To recover a data segment from a decode threshold number of encoded dataslices, the computing device uses a decoding function as shown in FIG.8. As shown, the decoding function is essentially an inverse of theencoding function of FIG. 4. The coded matrix includes a decodethreshold number of rows (e.g., three in this example) and the decodingmatrix in an inversion of the encoding matrix that includes thecorresponding rows of the coded matrix. For example, if the coded matrixincludes rows 1, 2, and 4, the encoding matrix is reduced to rows 1, 2,and 4, and then inverted to produce the decoding matrix.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram 900 of another embodiment of adispersed or distributed storage network (DSN) in accordance with thepresent invention. This includes is a schematic block diagram of anotherembodiment of a DSN that includes a plurality of user devices 1-U, thenetwork 24 of FIG. 1, a plurality of distributed storage and task (DST)processing units 1-D, a set of DST execution units 1-n, and distributestorage and task network (DSTN) managing unit 18 (e.g., each of whichmay be separate and particular implementations of various embodiments ofthe computing devices 12 or 16 of FIG. 1). For example, each user devicemay be implemented utilizing a first implementation of one or more ofthe computing devices 12 or 16 of FIG. 1. Each DST processing unit maybe implemented utilizing a second implementation of one or more of thecomputing devices 12 or 16 of FIG. 1. Each DST execution unit may beimplemented utilizing a third implementation of one or more of thecomputing devices 12 or 16 of FIG. 1. Hereafter, in some examples, notethat each DST execution unit may be interchangeably referred to as astorage unit (SU) (e.g., SU 36 such as with respect to FIG. 3, FIG. 7,etc.) and the set of DST execution units may be interchangeably referredto as a set of SUs (e.g., again, such as again shown with respect to thesets of SUs such as with respect to FIG. 3, FIG. 7, etc.). The DSTNmanaging unit 18 includes a modeling module 910 and a simulation module920. Each of the modeling module 910 and the simulation module 920 beimplemented utilizing the processing module 50 such as with respect toFIG. 2. The DSN functions to model operations within the DSN.

An example of operation of the modeling of the DSN, the modeling module910 obtains DSN information that includes one or more of a DSNconfiguration information 902, DSN loading information 904, and a DSNperformance information 906. The DSN configuration information includesinformation dispersal algorithm (IDA) configuration, IDA codecinformation, and security algorithm information. The DSN loadinginformation includes one or more of a number of user devices, a numberof requests per user per unit of time, a number of objects stored, anumber of available storage units, available processing power, and aconcurrency of operation level. The DSN performance information includesone or more of the operations per second, throughput levels, and latencylevels. The obtaining includes one or more of interpreting a queryresponse and receiving the DSN information.

Having obtained the DSN information, the modeling module 910 generatesfirst approximation DSN behavior model information based on the DSNinformation. The generating includes inputting configuration informationand loading information (e.g., by a manager) into a baseline DSN modelbased on the performance information. Having generated the firstapproximation DSN behavioral model information, the modeling module 910modifies the first approximation DSN behavioral model information basedon a comparison of predicted performance 930 to the DSN performanceinformation for a given estimated future configuration in loadinginformation the compares favorably to the DSN configuration informationin loading information to produce DSN behavioral model information. Forexample, the modeling module 910 generates error information based on adifference between the predicted performance 930 and the DSN performanceinfo for a given estimated future configuration in loading informationassociated with the current DSN configuration information in loadinginformation and modifies one or more parameters of the firstapproximation DSN behavioral model to recursively minimize the errorinformation.

The simulation module 920 generates predictive performance based on theDSN behavior model information and the estimated future configuration inloading information. For example, the simulation module 920 stimulatesthe DSN behavior model with the estimated future configuration andloading information to produce the predicted performance 930. The DSTNmanaging unit 18 may recursively repeat the above steps to produce adifference between the DSN performance information on the predictedperformance 930 information that is less than an error threshold level.

Note that some examples of modeling as described herein may be performedas to generate predictive performance of outputs of a DSN based onvarious values of the inputs that characterize the configuration of theDSN. Also note that examples of modeling as described herein may beperformed using a neural network model including features such asdescribed with respect to FIG. 10.

In an example of operation and implementation, a computing device 12 or16 includes an interface configured to interface and communicate with adispersed or distributed storage network (DSN), a memory that storesoperational instructions, and a processing module operably coupled tothe interface and memory such that the processing module, when operablewithin the computing device based on the operational instructions, isconfigured to perform various operations.

For example, a computing device 12 or 16 is configured to receive firstsamples corresponding to inputs that characterize configuration of theDSN and also to receive second samples corresponding to outputs thatcharacterize system behavior of the DSN. The computing devices 12 or 16is then configured to process the first samples and the second samplesto generate a DSN model to generate predictive performance of theoutputs based on various values of the inputs that characterize theconfiguration of the DSN.

In some examples, the computing device 12 or 16 is configured togenerate the DSN model based on a neural network model that includes theinputs that characterize the configuration of the DSN as inputs of theneural network model and the outputs that characterize system behaviorof the DSN as outputs of the neural network model, and hidden neurons ofat least one layer that receive the inputs of the neural network modeland generate the outputs of the neural network model. Note thatconnections from the hidden neurons to other hidden neurons or theoutputs of the neural network model are weighted based on weights. Thecomputing device 12 or 16 is configured to initialize the weights topredetermined values and to adjust the weights from the predeterminedvalues based on backpropagation of error values of the neural networkmodel backwards through the neural network model starting at the outputsof the neural network model so that each hidden neuron of the hiddenneurons includes a corresponding error value that substantiallyrepresents its respective contribution to outputs of the neural networkmodel. Note that the error values of the neural network model correspondto differences between the outputs of the neural network model andexpected outputs of the neural network model.

In even other examples, the computing device 12 or 16 is configured toreceive third samples corresponding to the inputs that characterize theconfiguration of the DSN after receiving the first samples correspondingto the inputs that characterize configuration of the DSN. The computingdevice 12 or 16 is then configured to receive a fourth samplescorresponding to the outputs that characterize system behavior of theDSN after receiving the second samples corresponding to the outputs thatcharacterize system behavior of the DSN. The computing device 12 or 16is then configured to process the third samples and the fourth samplesto update the DSN model to update the predictive performance of theoutputs based on various values of the inputs that characterize theconfiguration of the DSN.

In some examples, the processing module of the computing device 12 or16, when operable within the computing device based on the operationalinstructions, further includes a modeling module that is configured togenerate DSN behavioral model information based on the plurality ofinputs that characterize configuration of the DSN and a simulationmodule that is configured to generate the predictive performance of theplurality of outputs. Note that the simulation module is configured tofeedback the predictive performance of the plurality of outputs to themodeling module for use by the modeling module to generate subsequentDSN behavioral model information based on the plurality of inputs thatcharacterize configuration of the DSN and the predictive performance ofthe plurality of outputs.

Examples of inputs that characterize the configuration of the DSNinclude any one or more of the following considerations. For example,they may include a distribution of a data object within the DSN. Notethat the data object is segmented into a data segments, and a datasegment of the data segments is dispersed error encoded in accordancewith dispersed error encoding parameters to produce a set of encodeddata slices (EDSs) that is of pillar width. Note that the set of EDSsare distributedly stored among a plurality of storage units (SUs) of theDSN. Also, a decode threshold number of EDSs are needed to recover thedata segment, and a read threshold number of EDSs provides forreconstruction of the data segment. Note also that a write thresholdnumber of EDSs provides for a successful transfer of the set of EDSsfrom a first at least one location in the DSN to a second at least onelocation in the DSN.

Other examples of the inputs that characterize the configuration of theDSN include any one or more of the following as well: a concurrencylevel of storage of the data object within the DSN including storage ofcopies of at least the read threshold number of EDSs corresponding tothe data object within the DSN, a number of dispersed storage (DS) unitsand types of DS units within the DSN, a number of network communicationlinks and latencies of network communication links within the DSN, aconfiguration of an information dispersal algorithm (IDA) including thedispersed error encoding parameters employed within the DSN, one or morecodecs employed within the DSN, and/or one or more network securityprotocols employed within the DSN, and/or any other considerations,elements, etc.

Examples of outputs that characterize system behavior of the DSN includeany one or more of the following considerations. For example, they mayinclude a first number of sustained operations including data accessrequests per second per dispersed storage (DS) unit within the DSN, asecond number of sustained operations including data access requests persecond per storage unit (SU) within the DSN, a first throughput levelper DS unit within the DSN, a second throughput level per SU within theDSN, a first latency from at least one SU to at least one DS processingunit within the DSN, and/or a second latency from at least one computingdevice providing at least one data access request to the at least one DSprocessing unit within the DSN, and/or any other considerations,elements, etc.

Note that the computing device may be located at a first premises thatis remotely located from at least one SU of a plurality of SUs withinthe DSN. Also, note that the computing device may be of any of a varietyof types of devices as described herein and/or their equivalentsincluding a SU of any group and/or set of SUs within the DSN, a wirelesssmart phone, a laptop, a tablet, a personal computers (PC), a workstation, and/or a video game device. Note also that the DSN may beimplemented to include or be based on any of a number of different typesof communication systems including a wireless communication system, awire lined communication systems, a non-public intranet system, a publicinternet system, a local area network (LAN), and/or a wide area network(WAN).

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram 1000 of an example of neuralnetwork model in accordance with the present invention. In general, aneural network model include a number of inputs (e.g., x0, x1, x2, andif desired up to xm), a number of neurons (e.g., hidden nodes, such asrepresented by multiple layers such as neurons h11, h12, and if desiredup to h1 a in layer 1 and then optionally to include neurons h21, and ifdesired up to h2 b in layer 2, and neurons h11, h12, and if desired upto h1 a in layer 1 and so on and then optionally to include neurons h21,h32, and if desired up to h3 c in layer 3 and so on and optionally toinclude neurons h21, and if desired up to hnd in layer n, such that m,a, b, c, n, d, are all positive integers), and number of inputs (e.g.,y0, y1, and if desired up to yp such that p is a positive integer). Notealso that neural network model may also include one or more biases(e.g., an h12 bias hb12 that biases the neuron h12, a y1 bias yb1 thatbiases the output y1, as some possible examples).

In general, a neural network model considers inputs that connect viaconnections between the inputs and neurons (e.g., hidden nodes) that mayalso interconnect with other neurons (and layers) that connect via otherconnections to outputs. The inputs are known and the outputs areobserved/known. The respective connections between the inputs, neurons,and outputs, etc. have respective weights that scale the output from agiven node that is provided to another node. As an example, acorresponding weight scales the output from neuron h11 in layer 1 thatis provided to neuron h2 b in layer 2 and corresponds to the connectionbetween neuron h11 in layer 1 to the neuron h2 b in layer 2.Analogously, another corresponding weight scales the output from inputx2 that is provided to neuron h12 in layer 1 and corresponds to theconnection between input x2 to the neuron h12 in layer 1. As the neuralnetwork model initiates, the respective weights corresponding to the maybe initialized the weights to predetermined values and then updated asthe neural network model observes the outputs and adapts the weights soas better to model the actual performance of the model.

With respect to applying such a neural network model to model operationof a DSN, in one example, such a computing device is configured togenerate a DSN model based on a neural network model that includes theinputs that characterize the configuration of the DSN as inputs of theneural network model and the outputs that characterize system behaviorof the DSN as outputs of the neural network model, and a hidden neuronsof at least one layer that receive the inputs of the neural networkmodel and generate the outputs of the neural network model.

In general, the weights are initialized to some values (e.g., all equalto begin in one specific embodiment). Then, the inputs are provided tothe neural network model, and the outputs are measured/observed, andover time and over different respective sets of samples of both theinputs are provided and outputs are measured/observed, and adjustment ofthe respective the different respective weights that scale the outputsprovide from node to node among the connections between the inputs,hidden neurons, and outputs over time until the neural network modelacceptably models or emulates the actual DSN behavior (e.g.,substantially, approximately, etc. within some acceptable degree such asbased on any desired industry-accepted tolerance for its correspondingterm and/or relativity between items, such an industry-acceptedtolerance ranges from less than one percent to fifty percent, etc.). Thedetermination of the weights within the neural network model may be madebased on backpropagation.

With respect to performing backpropagation, one approach is to use apartial derivative (e.g., ∂C/∂w) of a cost function, C, with respect toany weight with (or bias) in the neural network model. The expression ofthe partial derivative (e.g., ∂C/∂w) of the cost function, C, provides ameans to determine how much the output or cost, C, changes as theweights and/or biases are changed. Being a partial derivative, the termin directed to or limited to the particular influence of the respectiveweight associated therewith while (ideally) removing the effects ofother influences in the neural network model. In general, backpropagation is a process in which the error values (e.g., differentbetween the actual outputs that are measured/observed and those producedby the neural network model) are fed back into the system backwardsstarting from the outputs and backwards to any prior layers andeventually to the inputs of the neural network model. As the neuralnetwork model is being trained/is learning, each respective neuronincludes an associated error value that substantially represents itsrespective contribution to the original output. Also, a loss functionmay be viewed as an output of the neural network model as compared to adesired output or in the case of modeling actual behaviors, withmeasured/observed output. In general, the backpropagation process usesthe respective error values associated with the respective neurons inthe neural network model to calculate the gradient or partial derivative(e.g., ∂C/∂w) of the cost function, C, with respect to the weights inthe neural network model. Over time, as more and more samples of theinputs are provided and more and more samples of the outputs aremeasured/observed, as the respective values of the weights within theneural network model are updated, adjusted, refined, etc., the neuralnetwork model eventually converges on a model that substantially,approximately, etc. models or emulates the actual performance of the DSNthat such a specific example of a neural network model is implemented tomodel.

Also, note that the hidden neurons in the intervening one or more layersbetween the inputs and outputs organize themselves in a manner that thedifferent respective neurons adapt and change as a function of the otherneurons based on all of the inputs.

In general, note that the neural network model is trained and can beadjusted and re-trained over time with more and more samples of inputsand measured/observed output. In addition, note that as more and moreinformation is provided, the neural network model can be continuallyupdated, revised, improved, etc. so that it more accurately andeffectively models the actual DSN that the neural network model isintended to model.

Once the neural network model is trained, then the neural network model,when modeling a DSN, may be used to generate predictive performance ofthe outputs of the neural network model (e.g., that correspond tooutputs of the DSN) based on various values of the inputs of the neuralnetwork model (e.g., that correspond to inputs of the DSN) thatcharacterize the configuration of the DSN. In some examples, thispredictive performance is then used to design and implement another DSNbased on the learning that has been achieved based on the neural networkmodel that models the DSN.

This disclosure presents, among other things, a means by whichpredictive performance of one or more outputs of a DSN may be determinedbased on various values of one or more inputs that characterize theconfiguration of the DSN. For example, some systems such as a DSN can beso complex, and have such a large number of variables, that attemptingto design a realistic model by merely guessing can become an infeasibletask. For example, a DSN that includes various computing devices (e.g.,accessors, execution units, storage units (SUs), etc. and/or other typesof computing devices) can be such highly complex systems with so manyhighly complex components, and even more complex possible interactionsbeing possible among these many diverse and complex components that tocreate such an accurate model that allows for future design of animproved DSN can be impossible.

This disclosure presents, among other things, a novel approach to traina neural network model such as by using a technique of “backpropagation”. In such a scheme, various input variables are provided tothe neural network model and can include one or more of the following:object/file distribution, concurrency level, number and types ofdownstream (DS) processing units, number and types of network links andtheir latencies, number and types of DS units, and numbers and types ofmemory devices and capacities for each DS unit, IDA configuration,codecs in use within the DSN, network security algorithms in use withinthe DSN, etc. and/or any other considerations, inputs, etc.

Outputs, or measurements from observation of the system behavior, whichthe neural network model may attempt to predict include one or more ofthe following: number of sustained operations per second per DSprocessing unit, number of sustained operations per second per DS unit,throughput level per DS processing unit, throughput level per DS unit,latency from DS processing unit to DS unit, latency from requester to DSprocessing unit, etc. and/or any other considerations, inputs, etc.

Many samples of these input variables, and observed output measurementswill be taken, from various system configurations and various workloads,with the aim at building different models to predict at least one of theabove measured outputs. Initially, the neural network model will producemore or less randomly guessed results, but with each sample available,the network can be repeatedly trained via back propagation, eventuallyleading to more accurate prediction capabilities. When the model is welltrained, it can then provide estimates for system performance for as ofyet, unobserved (or even theoretically deployed) system configurations.This can help greatly in the design and provisioning of DSN memories tomeet certain performance goals.

FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method 1101 forexecution by one or more computing devices in accordance with thepresent invention. This includes a flowchart illustrating an example ofmodeling a dispersed storage network (DSN). The method 1101 includes astep 1110 where a processing module (e.g., of a distributed storage andtask network (DSTN) managing unit) obtains DSN information that includesone or more of configuration information, loading information, andperformance information. The obtaining includes at least one ofinterpreting a query response and receiving the DSN information.

The method 1101 continues at the step 1120 where the processing modulegenerates first approximation DSN behavioral model information based onthe DSN information. For example, the processing module inputsconfiguration in loading information into a baseline DSN model based onthe performance information.

The method 1101 continues at the step 1130 where the processing modulemodifies the first approximation DSN behavioral model information basedon a comparison of predicted performance to the DSN performanceinformation for a given estimated future configuration and loadinginformation 940 to produce DSN behavioral model information. Forexample, the processing module generates error information as thedifference between the predicted performance and the DSN performanceinformation for a given estimated future configuration and loadinginformation 940 associated with the current DSN configurationinformation in loading information and modifies one or more parametersof the first approximation DSN behavioral model to recursively minimizethe error information.

The method 1101 continues at the step 1140 where the processing modulegenerates predictive performance based on the DSN behavioral modelinformation and the estimated future configuration and loadinginformation 940. For example, the processing module stimulates the DSNbehavioral model with the given estimated future configuration andloading information 940 to produce the predicted performance. Theprocessing module make recursively repeat the above steps to produce adifference between the DSN performance information and the predictedperformance that is less than an error threshold level.

FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a method 1102for execution by one or more computing devices in accordance with thepresent invention. The method 1101 begins in step 1111 by receiving, viaan interface of the computing device that is configured to interface andcommunicate with a dispersed or distributed storage network (DSN), afirst plurality of samples corresponding to a plurality of inputs thatcharacterize configuration of the DSN. The method 1101 continues in step1121 by receiving, via the interface of the computing device, a secondplurality of samples corresponding to a plurality of outputs thatcharacterize system behavior of the DSN. The method 1101 then operatesin step 1131 by processing the first plurality of samples and the secondplurality of samples to generate a DSN model to generate predictiveperformance of the plurality of outputs based on various values of theplurality of inputs that characterize the configuration of the DSN.

It is noted that terminologies as may be used herein such as bit stream,stream, signal sequence, etc. (or their equivalents) have been usedinterchangeably to describe digital information whose contentcorresponds to any of a number of desired types (e.g., data, video,speech, audio, etc. any of which may generally be referred to as‘data’).

As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately”provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding termand/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted toleranceranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to,but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit processvariations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermalnoise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a fewpercent to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, theterm(s) “configured to”, “operably coupled to”, “coupled to”, and/or“coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/or indirectcoupling between items via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes,but is not limited to, a component, an element, a circuit, and/or amodule) where, for an example of indirect coupling, the intervening itemdoes not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its currentlevel, voltage level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein,inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another elementby inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items inthe same manner as “coupled to”. As may even further be used herein, theterm “configured to”, “operable to”, “coupled to”, or “operably coupledto” indicates that an item includes one or more of power connections,input(s), output(s), etc., to perform, when activated, one or more itscorresponding functions and may further include inferred coupling to oneor more other items. As may still further be used herein, the term“associated with”, includes direct and/or indirect coupling of separateitems and/or one item being embedded within another item.

As may be used herein, the term “compares favorably”, indicates that acomparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desiredrelationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may beachieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1. As maybe used herein, the term “compares unfavorably”, indicates that acomparison between two or more items, signals, etc., fails to providethe desired relationship.

As may also be used herein, the terms “processing module”, “processingcircuit”, “processor”, and/or “processing unit” may be a singleprocessing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such aprocessing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digitalsignal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, fieldprogrammable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logiccircuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device thatmanipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of thecircuitry and/or operational instructions. The processing module,module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit may be, or furtherinclude, memory and/or an integrated memory element, which may be asingle memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and/or embeddedcircuitry of another processing module, module, processing circuit,and/or processing unit. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory,random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, staticmemory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any devicethat stores digital information. Note that if the processing module,module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit includes more thanone processing device, the processing devices may be centrally located(e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or wireless busstructure) or may be distributedly located (e.g., cloud computing viaindirect coupling via a local area network and/or a wide area network).Further note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit,and/or processing unit implements one or more of its functions via astate machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logiccircuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing the correspondingoperational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, thecircuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Still further note that, the memoryelement may store, and the processing module, module, processingcircuit, and/or processing unit executes, hard coded and/or operationalinstructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/orfunctions illustrated in one or more of the figures. Such a memorydevice or memory element can be included in an article of manufacture.

One or more embodiments have been described above with the aid of methodsteps illustrating the performance of specified functions andrelationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functionalbuilding blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined hereinfor convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences canbe defined so long as the specified functions and relationships areappropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences arethus within the scope and spirit of the claims. Further, the boundariesof these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined forconvenience of description. Alternate boundaries could be defined aslong as the certain significant functions are appropriately performed.Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily definedherein to illustrate certain significant functionality.

To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence couldhave been defined otherwise and still perform the certain significantfunctionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional buildingblocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the scopeand spirit of the claims. One of average skill in the art will alsorecognize that the functional building blocks, and other illustrativeblocks, modules and components herein, can be implemented as illustratedor by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits,processors executing appropriate software and the like or anycombination thereof.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

The one or more embodiments are used herein to illustrate one or moreaspects, one or more features, one or more concepts, and/or one or moreexamples. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, an article ofmanufacture, a machine, and/or of a process may include one or more ofthe aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc. described with referenceto one or more of the embodiments discussed herein. Further, from figureto figure, the embodiments may incorporate the same or similarly namedfunctions, steps, modules, etc. that may use the same or differentreference numbers and, as such, the functions, steps, modules, etc. maybe the same or similar functions, steps, modules, etc. or differentones.

Unless specifically stated to the contra, signals to, from, and/orbetween elements in a figure of any of the figures presented herein maybe analog or digital, continuous time or discrete time, and single-endedor differential. For instance, if a signal path is shown as asingle-ended path, it also represents a differential signal path.Similarly, if a signal path is shown as a differential path, it alsorepresents a single-ended signal path. While one or more particulararchitectures are described herein, other architectures can likewise beimplemented that use one or more data buses not expressly shown, directconnectivity between elements, and/or indirect coupling between otherelements as recognized by one of average skill in the art.

The term “module” is used in the description of one or more of theembodiments. A module implements one or more functions via a device suchas a processor or other processing device or other hardware that mayinclude or operate in association with a memory that stores operationalinstructions. A module may operate independently and/or in conjunctionwith software and/or firmware. As also used herein, a module may containone or more sub-modules, each of which may be one or more modules.

As may further be used herein, a computer readable memory includes oneor more memory elements. A memory element may be a separate memorydevice, multiple memory devices, or a set of memory locations within amemory device. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, randomaccess memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory,dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device thatstores digital information. The memory device may be in a form a solidstate memory, a hard drive memory, cloud memory, thumb drive, servermemory, computing device memory, and/or other physical medium forstoring digital information.

While particular combinations of various functions and features of theone or more embodiments have been expressly described herein, othercombinations of these features and functions are likewise possible. Thepresent disclosure is not limited by the particular examples disclosedherein and expressly incorporates these other combinations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computing device comprising: an interfaceconfigured to interface and communicate with a dispersed or distributedstorage network (DSN); memory that stores operational instructions; anda processing module operably coupled to the interface and to the memory,wherein the processing module, when operable within the computing devicebased on the operational instructions, is configured to: receive a firstplurality of samples corresponding to a plurality of inputs thatcharacterize configuration of the DSN; receive a second plurality ofsamples corresponding to a plurality of outputs that characterize systembehavior of the DSN; and process the first plurality of samples and thesecond plurality of samples to generate a DSN model to generatepredictive performance of the plurality of outputs based on variousvalues of the plurality of inputs that characterize the configuration ofthe DSN.
 2. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the processingmodule, when operable within the computing device based on theoperational instructions, is further configured to: generate the DSNmodel based on a neural network model that includes the plurality ofinputs that characterize the configuration of the DSN as inputs of theneural network model and the plurality of outputs that characterizesystem behavior of the DSN as outputs of the neural network model, and aplurality of hidden neurons of at least one layer that receive theinputs of the neural network model and generate the outputs of theneural network model, wherein connections from the plurality of hiddenneurons to other hidden neurons or the outputs of the neural networkmodel are weighted based on a plurality of weights; initialize theplurality of weights to a predetermined plurality of values; and adjustthe plurality of weights from the predetermined plurality of valuesbased on backpropagation of error values of the neural network modelbackwards through the neural network model starting at the outputs ofthe neural network model so that each hidden neuron of the plurality ofhidden neurons includes a corresponding error value that substantiallyrepresents its respective contribution to outputs of the neural networkmodel, wherein the error values of the neural network model correspondto differences between the outputs of the neural network model andexpected outputs of the neural network model.
 3. The computing device ofclaim 1, wherein the processing module, when operable within thecomputing device based on the operational instructions, is furtherconfigured to: receive a third plurality of samples corresponding to theplurality of inputs that characterize the configuration of the DSN afterreceiving the first plurality of samples corresponding to the pluralityof inputs that characterize configuration of the DSN; receive a fourthplurality of samples corresponding to the plurality of outputs thatcharacterize system behavior of the DSN after receiving the secondplurality of samples corresponding to the plurality of outputs thatcharacterize system behavior of the DSN; and process the third pluralityof samples and the fourth plurality of samples to update the DSN modelto update the predictive performance of the plurality of outputs basedon various values of the plurality of inputs that characterize theconfiguration of the DSN.
 4. The computing device of claim 1, whereinthe processing module, when operable within the computing device basedon the operational instructions, further comprises: a modeling moduleconfigured to generate DSN behavioral model information based on theplurality of inputs that characterize configuration of the DSN; and asimulation module configured to generate the predictive performance ofthe plurality of outputs, wherein the simulation module is configured tofeedback the predictive performance of the plurality of outputs to themodeling module for use by the modeling module to generate subsequentDSN behavioral model information based on the plurality of inputs thatcharacterize configuration of the DSN and the predictive performance ofthe plurality of outputs.
 5. The computing device of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of inputs that characterize the configuration of the DSNinclude at least one of: a distribution of a data object within the DSN,wherein the data object is segmented into a plurality of data segments,wherein a data segment of the plurality of data segments is dispersederror encoded in accordance with dispersed error encoding parameters toproduce a set of encoded data slices (EDSs) that is of pillar width,wherein the set of EDSs are distributedly stored among a plurality ofstorage units (SUs) of the DSN, wherein a decode threshold number ofEDSs are needed to recover the data segment, wherein a read thresholdnumber of EDSs provides for reconstruction of the data segment, andwherein a write threshold number of EDSs provides for a successfultransfer of the set of EDSs from a first at least one location in theDSN to a second at least one location in the DSN; a concurrency level ofstorage of the data object within the DSN including storage of copies ofat least the read threshold number of EDSs corresponding to the dataobject within the DSN; a number of dispersed storage (DS) units andtypes of DS units within the DSN; a number of network communicationlinks and latencies of network communication links within the DSN; aconfiguration of an information dispersal algorithm (IDA) including thedispersed error encoding parameters employed within the DSN; one or morecodecs employed within the DSN; or one or more network securityprotocols employed within the DSN.
 6. The computing device of claim 1,wherein the plurality of outputs that characterize system behavior ofthe DSN include at least one of: a first number of sustained operationsincluding data access requests per second per dispersed storage (DS)unit within the DSN; a second number of sustained operations includingdata access requests per second per storage unit (SU) within the DSN; afirst throughput level per DS unit within the DSN; a second throughputlevel per SU within the DSN; a first latency from at least one SU to atleast one DS processing unit within the DSN; or a second latency from atleast one computing device providing at least one data access request tothe at least one DS processing unit within the DSN.
 7. The computingdevice of claim 1 further comprising: a storage unit (SU) of a pluralityof storage units (SUs) within the DSN, a wireless smart phone, a laptop,a tablet, a personal computers (PC), a work station, or a video gamedevice.
 8. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the DSN includes atleast one of a wireless communication system, a wire lined communicationsystem, a non-public intranet system, a public internet system, a localarea network (LAN), or a wide area network (WAN).
 9. A method forexecution by a computing device, the method comprising: receiving, viaan interface of the computing device that is configured to interface andcommunicate with a dispersed or distributed storage network (DSN), afirst plurality of samples corresponding to a plurality of inputs thatcharacterize configuration of the DSN; receiving, via the interface ofthe computing device, a second plurality of samples corresponding to aplurality of outputs that characterize system behavior of the DSN; andprocessing the first plurality of samples and the second plurality ofsamples to generate a DSN model to generate predictive performance ofthe plurality of outputs based on various values of the plurality ofinputs that characterize the configuration of the DSN.
 10. The method ofclaim 9 further comprising: generating the DSN model based on a neuralnetwork model that includes the plurality of inputs that characterizeconfiguration of the DSN as inputs of the neural network model and theplurality of outputs that characterize system behavior of the DSN asoutputs of the neural network model, and a plurality of hidden neuronsof at least one layer that receive the inputs of the neural networkmodel and generate the outputs of the neural network model, whereinconnections from the plurality of hidden neurons to other hidden neuronsor the outputs of the neural network model are weighted based on aplurality of weights; initializing the plurality of weights to apredetermined plurality of values; and adjusting the plurality ofweights from the predetermined plurality of values based onbackpropagation of error values of the neural network model backwardsthrough the neural network model starting at the outputs of the neuralnetwork model so that each hidden neuron of the plurality of hiddenneurons includes a corresponding error value that substantiallyrepresents its respective contribution to outputs of the neural networkmodel, wherein the error values of the neural network model correspondto differences between the outputs of the neural network model andexpected outputs of the neural network model.
 11. The method of claim 9further comprising: receiving, via the interface of the computingdevice, a third plurality of samples corresponding to the plurality ofinputs that characterize configuration of the DSN after receiving thefirst plurality of samples corresponding to the plurality of inputs thatcharacterize the configuration of the DSN; receiving, via the interfaceof the computing device, a fourth plurality of samples corresponding tothe plurality of outputs that characterize system behavior of the DSNafter receiving the second plurality of samples corresponding to theplurality of outputs that characterize system behavior of the DSN; andprocessing the third plurality of samples and the fourth plurality ofsamples to update the DSN model to update the predictive performance ofthe plurality of outputs based on various values of the plurality ofinputs that characterize the configuration of the DSN.
 12. The method ofclaim 9 further comprising: operating a modeling module of the computingdevice to generate DSN behavioral model information based on theplurality of inputs that characterize the configuration of the DSN; andoperating a simulation module of the computing device to generate thepredictive performance of the plurality of outputs, wherein thesimulation module is configured to feedback the predictive performanceof the plurality of outputs to the modeling module for use by themodeling module to generate subsequent DSN behavioral model informationbased on the plurality of inputs that characterize the configuration ofthe DSN and the predictive performance of the plurality of outputs. 13.The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of inputs that characterizethe configuration of the DSN include at least one of: a distribution ofa data object within the DSN, wherein the data object is segmented intoa plurality of data segments, wherein a data segment of the plurality ofdata segments is dispersed error encoded in accordance with dispersederror encoding parameters to produce a set of encoded data slices (EDSs)that is of pillar width, wherein the set of EDSs are distributedlystored among a plurality of storage units (SUs) of the DSN, wherein adecode threshold number of EDSs are needed to recover the data segment,wherein a read threshold number of EDSs provides for reconstruction ofthe data segment, and wherein a write threshold number of EDSs providesfor a successful transfer of the set of EDSs from a first at least onelocation in the DSN to a second at least one location in the DSN; aconcurrency level of storage of the data object within the DSN includingstorage of copies of at least the read threshold number of EDSscorresponding to the data object within the DSN; a number of dispersedstorage (DS) units and types of DS units within the DSN; a number ofnetwork communication links and latencies of network communication linkswithin the DSN; a configuration of an information dispersal algorithm(IDA) including the dispersed error encoding parameters employed withinthe DSN; one or more codecs employed within the DSN; or one or morenetwork security protocols employed within the DSN.
 14. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the plurality of outputs that characterize systembehavior of the DSN include at least one of: a first number of sustainedoperations including data access requests per second per dispersedstorage (DS) unit within the DSN; a second number of sustainedoperations including data access requests per second per storage unit(SU) within the DSN; a first throughput level per DS unit within theDSN; a second throughput level per SU within the DSN; a first latencyfrom at least one SU to at least one DS processing unit within the DSN;or a second latency from at least one computing device providing atleast one data access request to the at least one DS processing unitwithin the DSN.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein: the computing deviceis a SU of the plurality of SUs within the DSN, a wireless smart phone,a laptop, a tablet, a personal computers (PC), a work station, or avideo game device; and the DSN includes at least one of a wirelesscommunication system, a wire lined communication system, a non-publicintranet system, a public internet system, a local area network (LAN),or a wide area network (WAN).